As the Turkish Parliament begins its new legislative year on Oct. 1, attention will center on MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli—who launched the “Terror-Free Turkey” peace initiative a year ago—and on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks regarding its future.
Following a 70-day recess, Parliament will convene with a special General Assembly session at 2:00 p.m. As usual, Erdoğan will deliver an opening address, though the CHP will boycott the ceremony in protest of recent mayoral arrests and crackdowns on municipalities.
This year, the political spotlight will remain on post-PKK arrangements such as the “Return Home” law, the “right to hope,” and amendments to the penal code.
“A new era is dawning. While we seek peace globally, it is essential to ensure peace at home,” Bahçeli said on Oct. 1, 2024, after shaking hands with DEM Party deputies at last year’s session.
Since then, significant developments have followed: the isolation of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has ended, DEM delegates have visited İmralı Island, the PKK declared symbolic disarmament on July 11, and the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission has convened 12 times since its formation on Aug. 5.
However, a long-anticipated reform package—intended to ease the release of ill prisoners, broaden house arrest and deferred sentencing, and address legal limbo for pre-July 31, 2023 offenses without final verdicts—remains pending. Erdoğan’s speech is expected to signal the government's stance on these issues.
LAST YEAR’S UNFINISHED TASKS
This legislative year’s agenda also includes previously delayed measures, from traffic safety reforms to divorce law changes.
One key reform expected in the new term is an amendment to the Execution Law. The MHP has proposed a complete overhaul of the legislation.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has also said an “11th Judicial Package” will be introduced this term. It will propose tougher penalties for online fraud, illegal betting, and traffic-related violence. It also includes significant changes to divorce procedures—introducing a family mediation system to shorten proceedings and separate disputes over alimony, compensation, and asset division.
Lawmakers are also expected to revisit previously shelved traffic law reforms, following public backlash over radar enforcement policies.
